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HOME+GARDENGENLUX Be in Tune with the Moon

from GENLUX Spring '23 - Click to View the Issue

by GENLUX

from GENLUX Spring '23 - Click to View the Issue, page 108

Article from: GENLUX Spring '23 - Click to View the Issue

Future’s Bright

I’m

By Kelly Emberg - The Model Gardener

Don’t worry, gardening by the Moon doesn’t mean you need to start at dusk (even though some diehard gardeners do). The Moon’s phases signal what to plant and when , and following its cues will bring you closer to nature’s patterns and your garden’s success.

For thousands of years, civilizations gardened by the Moon. Some scientists might balk at this theory, but the proof is in the harvest. Ask any lunar gardener!

How It Works

The Moon revolves around Earth every 28 days equalling four quarters—each lasting seven days. The first two quarters are the “waxing stage,” when the Moon is dark, and the light becomes increasingly visible until the Moon is full. The last two quarters considered the “waning stage,” are when the full Moon’s light decreases until there isn’t any light—this is called the New Moon. Then, the cycle starts all over again.

The Moon’s gravitational influence affects the rise and fall of the tides as well as the soil moisture and a plant’s sap. This extra moisture encourages seeds to swell, burst, and sprout.

The best time to plant annuals that bear their fruit above ground is during the waxing stage, when the increased moonlight stimulates the plant’s growth.

The best time to plant your root crops and bulbs are during the third and fourth quarters when the full Moon’s light wanes. Energy goes to the plant’s roots, and the Earth’s gravitational pull draws the moisture and the plant’s roots down. The growth of the leaves slows.

There are times when you shouldn’t plant at all. Never during the full and new Moon; they are considered “barren” signs. Avoid planting days of the first- and third-quarter.

Waxing Moon

Pick fruits and vegetables that you intend to eat right away. The water content of the ingredients is higher, so salads are crunchier during the waxing Moon.

During the first quarter: from the new to the half-full Moon, plant above-ground annuals—particularly leafy plants that produce their seed outside the fruit. Examples: asparagus, cabbage, celery, and spinach.

ABOVE GROUND.

When is the Next Super Blue Moon? Aug. 31.

Waning Moon

During the entire waning phase: sow root vegetables. Examples: beets, radishes, carrots, potatoes, onions, and turnips.

During the second quarter: from the halffull Moon to the full Moon, plant annuals that grow above-ground, vine, and plants that produce seeds inside the fruit. Examples: beans, peas, peppers, squash, eggplant, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

During the third quarter: from the full to half-full Moon, plant bulb and root crops, and any crops planted in one season to winter over and produce yields the following year. Examples: onions, potatoes, rhubarb, grapes, and berries.

During the first or second quarter: plant garlic, melons, hay, grains, and cereals.

TIP: During periods of drought, sow seeds when the Moon is waxing, as close to the full Moon as possible.

During the fourth quarter: from half-full to new Moon, complete garden chores. Cultivate, pull weeds, and destroy pests. TIP: During the dark of the Moon, plants should rest—also it’s a good time to kill weeds because they won’t grow back.

Once you see how the Moon’s magnetic energy works miracles, you will be a believer! This spring, I will be getting in tune with the Moon!

Won’t you join me?

Check out The Farmer’s Almanac website for more information on gardening by the Moon. almanac.com

For more gardening tips, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & Twi er. kellyemberg.com